After the much applauded and rare Middlesbrough display against a strong Manchester City side last week, Steve Agnew’s men know that they have to notch up a level now as they visit Chelsea’s den. A loss here will more or less guarantee their relegation, while a win would keep their slim survival hopes intact.
And of course, a surprising Boro win will inflict an immense blow to Chelsea’s confidence of clinching the title next week itself. After Tottenham Hotspur’s slip-up, Chelsea can pretty much touch the trophy with their finger-tips and some routine wins could get it in their grip.
Boro would go for a major upset, but their record at the Stamford Bridge isn’t encouraging at all. Boro have lost each of their last six Premier League games against Chelsea. Not only that, the Teessiders haven’t managed to score a single time at Chelsea’s backyard in their last seven visits.
Given the whopping 13 times that Boro have managed a draw and mere 26 goals they have conceded overall this season, we would expect a low scoring game on Monday.
Possible Middlesbrough XI vs Chelsea
Defence
Brad Guzan is expected to keep his position under the bar this game too. While Agnew would desperately need the experienced Victor Valdes in that role, but the Spaniard missed the last game with his rib injury and is a big doubt for the game.
The former Barcelona man has been one of the biggest reasons for Boro’s conceding of 26 goals so far, and while Guzan is one experienced shot-stopper, he has conceded nine goals in seven outings. The backline is expected to remain the same for this game as Daniel Ayala still stays a doubt for the game with his ankle injury.
The defensive flanks will be taken by Fabio and George Friend, while the central defence will be taken by Ben Gibson and Calum Chambers. Both the centre-halves are leaving Boro next summer and would like to do that with some memorable performances.
Midfield
A one-man pivot worked pretty well for Agnew last game against Manchester City and we expect the English manager to stick with it. Adam Clayton should take his place in the central midfield.
The two attacking midfielders up front would be Marten de Roon and Adam Forshaw. The absence of Gaston Ramirez with a groin injury will be a big concern for the manager.
Attack
The flanks have been a position, where Boro possesses some really interesting options in Cristhian Stuani, Stuart Downing and Adama Traore. The latter has mostly been an impact player for Agnew, and we expect Stuani and Downing to start.
Alvaro Negredo will spearhead the attack. After a quiet season, the Spaniard has started firing of late and could be on the scoresheet once again.
